Jan Vogel

Biotechnological synthesis of antimicrobials ESR 2.2

Quorum Quenching to fight bacterial infections

Gram-negative bacteria usually only turn into harmful pathogens after their virulence genes have been switched on. These genes are controlled by regulatory elements that can respond to conditions in the environment. Quorum sensing is one of these regulatory circuits that controls the expression of hundreds of genes including those encoding endotoxins, destructive proteases and immunomodulating agents. During the ALERT program, interfering with quorum sensing, also known as quorum quenching, will be investigated as a therapy alternative to antibiotics. Non-virulent bacteria are expected to remain occupying their normal habitat without direct harm to the host organisms. This allows the immune system to perform its function with limited or no selection pressure towards antibiotic resistance.